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No. 615,924. Paten ted Dec. l3, I898.

, E. P. WATERHOUSE.

ENVELOP MACHINE.

(Application filed Jan. 14, 1 897.)

(No Model.) ll Sheets-Shea! l.

| I I J WWW Qx Ywl l/bot/ 55.85 @V ow mm mguonms vzrzns co.. Mom-Lumen wAsmNaToN. n. c

N0. 6|5,93|. Patented Dec. l3,v I898. E. P. WATERHDUSE.

ENVELOP MACHINE.

(Application filed Jan. 14, 1897.)

ll Sheets-Sheet 2.

(No Model.)

,1 rmnms PETERS cu vnoromws wuumorou u.

No. 65.931. Patented Dec. l3, I898. E. P. WATERHUUSE.

ENVELOP MACHINE.

(Application filed Jan. 14, 118974) No Model.)

H Sheets-Sheet 3.

THC mmms PETERS no, Pumaumu. WASHINOTQN.

No. 6l5,93|. Patented 060.13, I898. E. P. WATERHOUSE.

ENVELOP MACHINE.

(Application filed Jan. 14, 1597.

{No Model.) ll Sheets-Sheet 4.

THE Monms Farms 00.. FNOTO-UTHO., WASHINGTON, o. c.

No. 6I5,93|. Patented Dec. l3, I898.

E. P. WATERHOUSE.

ENVELOP MACHINE.

(Application filed Jan. 14, 1897.)

N0. 6|5,93I. Patented Dec. l3, I898. E. P. WATERHOUSE.

ENVELOP MACHINE. (Application filed Jan 14.'1897.1

(No Model.)

II Sheets-Sheet 6.

wv/whot/ m: uonms PEYEHS 50., PHOTU-LIYNCL. wAsmNGYoN. o. c

(N0 Mndel.)

E. P. WATERHOUSE.

ENVELUP MACHINE.

(Application filed J'an; 14, 1897.)

Patented Dec. l3, I898.

l Sheets-Sheet 7.

No. 6l5,93l. v Patented Dec. 13, I898. E. P. WATERHOUSE.

ENVELOP MACHINE.

(Application filed Jan. 14, 1897.)

(N0 ModeL) ll Sheets-Sheet '8.

m: NORRIS Pzrzns co, mum-Lima, wAsnmmoM, n

Patented Dec. l3, I898.

E. P. WATERHUUSE.

ENVELOP MACHINE.

(Application filed Jan. 14, 1897.)

ll Sheets8heet 9.

(No Model.)

m2 wsm; PEYERS co} womumu; WASNINGTON. n. c,

Patent ed Dec. 13,1898.

i:. P. WATERHDUSE.

ENVELUP MACHINE.

(Application filed Jan. 14, 1897.)

n Shedts-Sheat ID.

(No Model.)

$2.3? WWW TH Monms PETERS 00.. FNOTOLITHO WASHINGTON. D. c

No. 615,931. Patented Dec. l3, I898.

E. P. WATERHOUSE.

ENVELOP MACHINE.

(Application filed Jan. 14, 1897.\

(no Model.) n Sheets-Sheet u.

m: uonms PETERS ca. PHOTQLITHQ. wnsnmeron. o. c.

UNITED STATES] PATENT Orrrcn.

EZRA P. WVATEBHOUSE, OF 'WOROESTER, MASSACHUSETTS, ASSIGNOR OF ONE- HALF TO THE WORCESTER ENVELOPE COMPANY, OF SAME PLACE;

' ENVELOP-MACHINE;

SPECIFICATI01\T,'forining part of Letterslatent No. 515,931, dated December 13, 189S;

Application filed January 14, 1897- Serial No. 619,264. (No model.)

T (LZZ whom, it may concern:

Be it known that I, EZRA P. WATERI-IOUSE, a citizen of the United States, residing at Worcester, in the county of Worcester and State of Massachusetts, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Envelop- Machines, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to envelop-machines,

IO and more particularly to an improved construction of certain parts of an envelop-ma chine-to wit, the envelop-end-folder-operating mechanism, the envelop-lifting-bladesoperating mechanism, which lifts the envelop from the folding-box after it is folded, the en velop-carriage-operating mechanism and an air-guard in combination with the carriage, the mechanism for nipping and removing the envelops from the drier into the till, the mechzo anism for adjusting the ring of the foldingbox, and the mechanism for accelerating the movement of the envelop down the liftingblades into the drier.

The object of my invention is to improve upon the ordinary construction of the parts of an envelop-machine above specified; and my invention consists in certain novel features of construction of said parts, as will be hereinafter fully described.

go I have only shown in the drawings sufficient parts of an envelop-machine provided with my improvements as will enable those skilled in the art to understand the construction and operation thereof.

3 5 Referring to the drawings, Figure 1 is a side view of portions of an envelop-machine embodying my improvements. Fig. 2 is a view of portions of the machine shown in Fig. 1 looking in the direction of'arrow a, same figo ure. Fig. 3 is a vertical section at line 3, Fig. 2, looking in the direction of arrow b, same figure, showing one end folder operating mechanism. Fig. 3 is a cross-section online 3 3, Fig. 3, looking in the direction of arrow 5 0, same figure. Fig. 3 is a vertical section on line 3 Fig. 3, looking in the direction of arrow (I, same figure. Fig. 4 is a vertical section at line 4 4, Fig. 2, looking in the direction of arrow 1), same figure, showing the lifting-blades and their operating mechanism.

. Fig.4? is a sectional detail of the sleeve c'ar rying the lifter-blades and of the shaft on which said sleeve is mounted. Fig. 5 is a vertical section at line 5 5, Fig. 2, looking in the direction of arrow b, same figure, showing the 5 5 carriage and operating mechanism. Fig. 5 shows the opposite side of the connection or joint shown in Fig. 5. Fig. 6 shows the opposite position of the parts shown in Fig. 5. Fig. 6 is a plan view of the front portion of the envelop-carriage, showing the air-guards on the carriage- Fig. 6 is an end view of Fig. 6 looking in the direction of arrow 6, same figure. Fig. 7 is a front View of a portion of the machine not shown in Fig. 2, being the right-hand side of the machine, and showing the nipper mechanism for removing the envelop from the drier into the till and its operating mechanism. Fig. 7 shows the nipper mechanism on an enlarged scale. Fig. 7 is a cross-section on line 7 7 Fig. 7, looking in the direction of arrow f, same figure. Fig.

7 c is a cross-section on line 7 c 7 Fig. 7 looking in the direction of arrow g, same figure, and showing the nipper-arm moved down to open 7 5 the movable nipper-jaw. Fig. 7 is a cross-section on linens so, Fig. 7 lookingin the direction of arrow g, same figure. Fig. 7 e is a cross-section on line so :20, Fig. 7, looking in the direction of arrowf, same figure. Fig. 8 is a vertical section at line 8 S, Fig. 7, looking in the direction of arrow h, same figure. Fig.8 is an enlarged view of the end of the slide and the nipper mechanism shown at the upper part of Fig. 8. The operating-arm and connecting-link are not shown. Fig. 9is a plan view of some of the parts shown in Fig. 8, looking in the direction of arrow 2', same figure. The top or table of the machine is partially broken away. Fig. 10 is an end view of the folding-box and ring, showing the lifting-blades in their lowered position. Fig. 11 corresponds to Fig. 10, but shows the liftingblades in their raised position. Fig. 12 is a plan view of the ring and lifting-blades shown 5 in Fig. 10. v Fig. 13 is a front View and partial section of the adjustable ring of the folding-box, showing the manner of adjusting the same. Fig. 14; is a vertical section through the adjusting-pin and knob-holder on line 14, Too

Fig. 13, looking in the direction of arrow j, same figure. Fig. is a front view of the ring detached looking in the direction of arrow 7a, Fig. 16. Fig. 1G is a perspective view of the ring detached. Fig. 17 is a vertical section at line 17 17, Fig. 2, looking in the direction of arrow 1), same figure, (the parts are shown by broken lines in Fig. 2,) showing a supplemental mechanism which may be used to push the envelops or accelerate their movement down the lifter-blades into the drier. Fig. 18 is a sectional view of some of the parts shown in Fig. 17, taken at line 18 18, Fig. 17, looking in the direction of arrow Z, same figure; and Fig. 1!) is an end View of the beveled gears and finger looking in the direction of arrow m, Fig. 18. Figs. 2 to 15), inclusive, are shown on an enlarged scale.

In the accompanying drawings, 1 is the frame of the envelop-machine, which may be of any desired shape and construction.

2 is the top or table of the machine.

3 is the drier-frame, and 4 the endless drier, of ordinary construction and operation, having fingers 5, between which the envelops are held in the ordinary way.

6 is the cam-shaft, mounted in suitable bearings on the frame 1 and having in this instance a belt-pulley 7 fast on one end thereof.

8 is a shaft provided with a hand-wheel 9 to turn the several parts of the machine backward or forward, as desired.

Over the bed 2 of the machine extends the arch 10, on the central portion of which is supported, to have a reciprocating motion, the rod 11 of the pusherplate 12, which pushes the envelop-blanks into the foldingbox through an opening 13 in the creaserplate 13, supported on the posts 14 on the top 2. (See Figs. 6 and 6%) All of the above parts may be of ordinary construction and operation and form no partof my invention.

I will first describe that part of my improvements relating to the en velop-end folder and the mechanism for operating said folder. It will be understood that there are two endfolders and operating mechanism for each in the machine; but only one end-folder and its operating mechanism are shown in the drawings.

Referring to Figs. 2 to 3", inclusive, 15 is a cam-lever loosely mounted at one end on a shaft 16, supported at the rear of the frame 1. The cam-lever 15 carries a roll 17, which travels on the periphery of the cam 18, fast on the cam-shaft 6. A coil-spring 18 draws the lever 15 down. To the end 15 of the cam-lever 15, which is preferably curved upwardly, as shown in Fig. 3, is secured, by a bolt 19, to have a'rocking or tilting motion thereon, a bifurcated or forked piece or holder 20, provided with grooves or depressions to receive the studs or pins 21, extending out from the sleeve 22. Cap-pieces 23 extend over the pins 21 and are secured to the tops 'of the sides of the bifurcated piece 29 by screws 24:. By means of the studs 21 the sleeve 22 is pivotally supported in the holder 20 and has a rocking or swinging motion therein independently of the movement of said holder. A rod 25 extends loosely at its lower end through the sleeve 22 and has a washer 26 thereon and a nut 27 screwed onto the threaded end of said rod 25. A coiled spring 28 encircles the rod 25 and bears at its lower end against the upper end of the sleeve 22 and at its upper end against a collar or annular flange 30, fast on the rod 25. The upper end 25' of the rod 25 is flattened and extends between the forked or bifurcated end 31 of the link or connector 31 (see Fig. 2) and is pivotally secured thereto by a bolt 32. The upper end of the connector3l is pivotally attached between downwardly extending ears 33 on the end-folder 33, which may be of any ordinary construction. The revolution of the shaft 6 and cam 18, through roll 17, lever 15, sleeve 22, spring, and connector 31, operates the endfolder 33 and causes the folder to give a spring-actuated or yielding pressure to the end flap of the envelop. The pivotal connection of the sleeveholder 20 to the end 15 of the arm 15 allows of the movement of the lower end of the rod 25 in one direction out of a vertical plane, and the pivotal support of the sleeve 22 allows of the movement of the lower end of the rod 25 in the other or opposite direction out of a vertical plane, and the pivotal connection of the upper end 25 of the rod 25 to the forked end of the connector 31 allows of the movement of the upper end 25 of the rod25 out of a vertical plane. It will thus be seen that in case the folder does not press the end flap of the envelop evenly, by reason of inequality in the thickness of the paper or for other reasons, the rod 25, by reason of its pivotal connections to the camlever 15 and the end-folder lugs or ears 33, will still operate to communicate a uniform pressure on the folder to cause it to communicate an even or uniform pressure to the end flap of the envelop.

I will now describe that part of my improvements relating to the mechanism for lifting the envelop from the folding-box after it is folded, which mechanism is shown in Figs. 2, 4, 4", 10, 11, and 12.

After the envelop is folded by the folders the folders are raised or opened to allow the envelop to be raised out of the folding-box by two lifting-blades (which extend under the envelop and through slots in the bottom of the folding-box) and be discharged into the drier. It is necessary to raise the liftingblades in such a manner that they will extend above the side or gummed flap-holder, so that the envelop may slide from the lifting-blades over said folder into the drier. (See Fig. 4.) In my improvements I raise the attached ends of the envelop-lifting blades tocarry said blades above the side-folder, as above de-- scribed, by mounting and securing the hubs loosely mounted a sleeve 45.

of the blades on a sleeve which is loosely mounted on an eccentric portion or portions on the shaft which carries said sleeve, and I communicate a rocking motion to said shaft, which when rocked in one direction causes the eccentric portion thereon to raise the sleeve, and consequently the ends of the lifting-blades attached thereto, and at the same time I communicate an independent rocking motion to the sleeve to raise the free ends of the lifting-blades to discharge the envelops over the side-folder, Arocking motion of the shaft and of the sleeve in the opposite direction lowers the sleeve and the attached ends of the lifting-blades and also the free ends of the lifting-blades.

Referring to Figs. 2 and 4, 35 is a cam provided with a hub 35, fast on the shaft 6. 36 is a cam-lever which is slotted at its lower end and extends over the hub 35 on the cam 35. A roll 37 is mounted on the cam-lever 36 and rides on the periphery of the cam 35. A spring 38 is secured to the lower end of the cam-lever 36 and acts to draw down said lever and hold the roll 37 thereon in engagement with the cam 35. The upper end of the camlever 36 is pivot-ally attached to one end of a two-arm lever 39, fast on a rocking shaft 40, mounted in a hanger 40, secured to the under side of the top 2. The end 39 of the lever 39 is connected by a link 42 with a crank-arm 43, fast on a shaft 44, mounted to rotate in bearings 44, secured to the table or top&/ (See Figs. 4 and 12.)

The rocking shaft 44 is made eccentric or provided with an eccentric portion 44" intermediate its ends, (see Fig. 4%) on which is On said sleeve 45 are adjustably secured by set-screws 46 the hubs 46 of the two lifting-blades 46, which extend through slots 47 in the bottom 47 of the folding-box. The lifting-blades 46 are provided near their attached ends with side wings or extensions 46'. (See Fig. 12.)

Secured on one end of the sleeve 45 is the hub 49' of the arm 49. The outer end of said arm 49 is attached through alink 50 to an arm or extension 51 on the lever 39.

It will be seen that through the revolution of the shaft 6 and cam35, fast thereon, roll 37, cam-lever 36, lever 39, link 42, and arm 43 a rocking motion is communicated to the shaft 44, and at the same time through the arm 49, link 50, and arm 51, attached to the lever 39, a rocking motion is communicated to the sleeve 45, on which the hubs 46 of the liftingblades 46 are secured. \Vhen the shaft 44 is rocked to the right, Fig. 4, the rotation of said shaft will cause the eccentric portion 44 thereon to carry up or raise the sleeve 45 loosely mounted on said eccentric portion, and at the same time the rotation of said sleeve to the right, Fig. 4, will carry up or raise the free ends of the lifting-blades, as shown in Figs. 4 and 11, and in this way the lifting-blades are raised above the side-folder 52. (See Fig. 4.) When the shaft 44 is rotated in the opposite direction, or to the left, in Fig. 4, through the revolution of the cam 35 and action of the spring 38, the eccentric portion 44 thereon will carry or move down the sleeve 45, as shown in Fig. 10, and the revolution of the sleeve 45 will carry down the lifting-blades.

I may combine with the mechanism for operating the shaft 44 and the sleeve 45 mechanism for operating simultaneously a guide pin 53 in connection with a stationary guidepin 54, extending down from and secured to the under side of the creaser-plate 13 at the under front edge of the opening in said plate,

munioated to the shaft-55 by an arm 56, fast on one end thereof and connected through a link 57 with an arm 58, which is preferably an extension of the arm 49, fast on the sleeve 45.

It will be seen that a rotation of the sleeve 45 to the right in Fig. 4, as above described,

will, through arm 58, link 57, arm 56, and shaft 55, move the pin 53 into the inclined position shown in Fig. 4 to move it out of the way of the envelop while it slides down the lifting-fingers into the drier. A movement of the sleeve 45 in the opposite direction, or to the left, in Fig. 4 will move the pin 53 in the opposite direction to a vertical position, as indicated by dotted lines in Fig. 4, to guide and hold the envelop while being pressed or plunged into the folding-box and to hold it in position until the front-folder operates upon it to fold the gummed flap.

The use of the guide-pin 53 is not essential, but with certain shapes and sizes of envelops it may be desirable to use the same.

In Fig. 4, 52 is the back-pressure folder of the envelop, of any ordinary construction and operation.

I will now describe the mechanism for operating the envelop-carriage and also the construction of the air-guard for the carriage.

The carriage L operating mechanism is so constructed that a positive reciprocating motion is communicated to the carriage through an eccentric and an eccentric-strap on the cam-shaft and what may be termed a pin segment-or leverand a slot segment or lever joint connecting the arm of said eccentricstrap with the operating-arms of the carriage; but at each end of said movement of the carriage there is a dwell for a certain time before the movement is continued. At the end of one movement of the carriage there is a dwell while'the envelop-blank is being picked up by the gummers, and at the end of the other movement there is a dwell while the blank is being pushed into the folding-box.

Referring to Fig. 2 and Figs. 5 to 6", inclusive, 59 is an eccentric fast 011 the cam-shaft 6. 60 is an eccentric-strap loosely mounted on the eccentric 59 and provided with an arm 60, pivotally attached by a bolt 61 to one member 62 of the joint or connection, which member acts as a pin-segment and is fast on a stud 03, mounted in bearings Get on the frame 1. (See Fig. 1.) The pin segment member 62 is provided on one side with a flange or projection 62, against which as said member 62 is rocked in one direction or the other the lower curved end of the other member 65 of the joint or connection strikes to limit the motion thereof. The member 65 is provided with a slot 65' in the lower end thereof, into which is adapted to extend a roll 66 on a bolt 67, secured to the member 62. The member 65 is secured at its upper end on the shaft 16 by a set-screw 65 and acts in connection with the member 62 as a segment or portion of a star-wheel to communicate motion to the shaft 16.

It will be seen that the rotation of the shaft 6 and eccentric 59, fast thereon, through the eccentric-strap 60 and arm 60, communicates a rocking motion to the pin segment or lever 62 and shaft 63, and said pin segment'or lever through the roll 66 thereon entering the slot 65 in the slot segment or lever 65 communicates a rocking motion to the member 65 and the shaft 16. The engagement of the ends of the member 65 with the flange 62' on the member 62 limits the rocking motion of the member 65 and causes a dwell while the eccentric 59 is completing its-revolution.

On the shaft 16 is secured a sleeve 68, (see Fig. 2,) having two arms 69 extending up therefrom. The upper ends of the arms 69 carry a rod 69, which is connected through a link 70 with the end of the envelop-carriage. A sleeve 71 slides on a guide-rod 72 in the usual way.

The two bars 73 of the carriage slide in ways 7 3 in the top plate 13 at each end of the opening 13' therein, through which the envelop-blank passes to the folding-box, (see Fig. 6%) and at their outerends are provided with the ordinary catches 74 to engage and draw the envelop-blank from the gummers (not shown) to and over the'opening 13 in the creaser-plate 13. Stops 74' extend up at the inner edge of the opening 13 in the ordinary way.

In connection with the slides 73 of the envelop-carriage I preferably use what I term air-guards to prevent the air from getting under and raising the front point of the envelop-blank as the blank is carried from the gummers to the'opening in the creaser-plate. There are in this instance two air-guards one for each slidebar 73. They consist of a metal plate 7 5, having its back edge bent upwardly at right angles and its outer edge provided with a lip or extension 75', secured by of which is fast the nipper-finger 93.

front of the envelop-blank and prevents the air from getting under the blank as the envelop is carried from the gummers to the opening in the creaser-plate. An upward projection or car 75 on the outer edge of each plate 75 (see Figs. 6 and G) acts as a stop to prevent the blank from twisting when dropped onto the carriage.

I will now describe the mechanism for removing the envelops from the drier and transferring them to the till. Said mechanism is shown in Figs. 7 to 9, inclusive.

Referring to Figs. 7, 8, and 9, 77 is a pulley fast on the cam-shaft 6 and has a cam surface or lipv 7 7 on its periphery. The camsurface 77 communicates motion to a camlever 78 through rolls 79, mounted on studs 80in the outer end of said arm 78, and arranged on opposite sides of the cam-lip 77. (See Fig. 7.) The inner end of the arm 78 is provided with a hub 7 fast on the vertical shaft 81, mounted in a bearing 82 on a bracket 82, secured to the under side of the table 2. On the upper end of the shaft 81 is fast the hub 83 of an arm 83, the outer end of which is connected, through a link 84, (see Figs. 7 and 9,) with the under side of a slide 85, which has a longitudinal motion in ways in a plate 86, secured to the underside of the top A gib 87 is shown extending along one side of the slide 85. The inner end of the slide (see Figs. 7 and 9) is provided with a plate 89, having a central downward projecting plate S9, against which the upper edge of the envelop strikes as the drier revolves. To the end of the plate 89 may be secured a hook 90, the hooked portion of which hooks over the outer upper corner. of the envelop. I

In connection with the slide 85 I use a positive-acting nipper mechanism to nip the outer upper corner of the envelop and draw the envelop out of the drier and into the till. The nipper mechanism is automatically operated to nip the envelop as soon as the envelop in the revolution of the drier strikes the plate 89 and draws the envelop out of the drier into the till and is also operated automatically to release the envelop after it has been withdrawn from thedrier into the till.

I will now describe the nipper mechanism. The top plate 91 of a bracket or hanger 91 is secured to the bottom of the slide 85 or in a recess in the bottom thereof. Said hanger 91 carries a rocking shaft 92, on the outer end On the opposite end of the shaft 92 is fast an arm 94, which is made curved on its lower edge 94'. (See Fig. 7.) The arm Oat carries a roll 95, mounted on a stud 96, secured in the upper side of said arm. (See Fig. 7.) The inner end of the shaft 92 is provided with one member97 ofaclutch-hub. Inlinewiththehanger 91 is arranged a second hanger 98, the top plate 98 of which is secured to the under side of the slide 85 or in a recess therein. (See Fig. 7%) In said bracket or hanger 98 is mounted to revolve a shaft 99, having at its inner end the member 100 of a clutch, which, in connection with the member 97 on the shaft 92, forms a complete clutch to clutch the two shafts 92 and 99 together.

Within a recess in the bracket 98 extends a spiral spring 101, which encircles the shaft 99 and bears at one end against the end of the recess and at its other end against the clutchhub 100 to push said hub toward the clutchhub 97 on the shaft 92. A pin 102 on the clutchhub 100 extends through a slot- 102 in the hanger 98 and prevents the clutch-hub 100 from turning.

It will be seen that the movement of the arm 94 to rock the shaft 92 and move the nipper 93 will also move and rotate the clutchhub 97. The spring 101 allows the clutchhub 100 to be pushed back away from the clutch-hub 97 and unclutch the members 97 and 100, and after the clutch member 97 is partially rotated the clutch 100 will again, through the action of the spring 101, engage with the clutch member 97 and hold the shaft 92 in its rotated position. The nipper 93 being closed to nip the envelop, as shown in Fig. 7 and the slide being moved outwardly to withdraw the envelop from the drier into the till through connections to the cam-lip 77 on the pulley 77, the roll on the arm 94 will engage the inclined surface 103 on the under side of the plate 86 and move down on said inclined surface and cause the arm 94 to be swung down to rock the shaft 92 and move or open the nipper 93, as shown in Fig. 7 to release the envelop. lhe downward movement of the arm 94 breaks the connection between the two clutch members 97 and 100, as above described, but after the arm 94 is moved to its lowest position, as shown in Fig. 7, the clutch member 97 is in position to be clutched to the member 100, which through spring 101 is moved into engagement with the clutch member 97 and holds said arm 94 in its downward position and the nipper-finger 93 open, as shown in Fig. 7

I will now describe the mechanism for automatically moving the arm 94 upwardly or in an opposite direction to close the nipperfinger 93 on the outer upper corner of the envelop preparatory to withdrawing it from the drier into the till.

The pusher-plate 104 in the till 105 is secured on a slide 106, adapted to travel in ways 106 in the under side of the till. (See Figs. 7 and 8.) The till 105 has a till-slot 105, (see Fig. 8,) through which the envelop is drawn to be acted on by the pusher-plate 104. The slide 106 is operated to move in either direction and carry the pusher-plate 104 of the till forward or back by a cam 107,

fast on the shaft 8, through cam-lever 108, carrying a roll 109, engaging the periphery of said cam 107, the cam-lever 108 being slotted to extend over the shaft 8 (see Fig. 8) and connected at its inner end to an arm 109, pivotally supported at its lower end on a stud 110' in a bracket 110, and connected at its upper end through a link 111 to a bracket 112 on the under side of the slide 106. After the envelop has been deposited in the till by the nipper mechanism, as above described, and the pusher-plate 104 has moved forward to push the envelop toward the front of the till operated by the cam 107 through the intermediate mechanism above described, the return movement of the pusher plate 104 causes the plate 104, secured upon the inner upper edge of the plate 104, (see Fig. 7,) to engage the curved edge of the downwardlyextending arm 94, which by the inward movement of the slide 85 has been moved into the path of the plate 104 at the same time when the outer upper corner of the envelop is in position to be nipped by the nipper 93 and push up saidarm 94 and break the connection between the clutch members'97 and 100 and cause the nipper 93 to nip the envelop, and the clutch members 97 and 100 to be again engaged by the action of the spring 101 to hold the nipper 93 on the envelop as the slide 85 is moved until the arm 94 is engaged by the inclined surface 103, as above described, to move down said arm 94 and release the nipper 93 from the envelop.

I will now proceed to describe the mechanism for adjusting the ring extending around the folding-box to provide for the yielding of said ring in case of variation of thickness of the envelop-paper, and also to provide for the adjustability of said ringthat is, the raising or lowering of the same-according to the thickness of the paper from which the envelops are made.

The mechanism above referred to is shown in Figs. 13 to'16, inclusive. The ring 113 is provided with a downwardly-extending car 113 on its front edge at its central portion and two downwardly-extending ears 113 on its rear edge at the ends thereof. (See Fig. 16.) The upper slotted end 114 of a threaded pin 114 (see Figs. 13 and 14) is pivotally connected with each of said ears by a pin 114", extending through a hole in said end 114 and said ears. A spring 115 encircles the pin 114 and extends within a hole in the top 2 of the frame. (See Fig. 13.) One end of the spring bears against a flange or shoulder 114' on the pin 114, and the other end of the spring bears against the plate 116, which is secured to the under side of the top 2 by screws 116 or otherwise. On the lower end of the pin 114 is screwed a knob 117, and said knob is split on one side at its lower part, as shown in Figs. 13 and 14, and provided with a clamping-bolt or set-screw 118. By loosening the set-screw 118 the knob 117 may be screwed up or down on the pin 114 to raise or lower said pin and the ring 113, and then said knob secured in position by screwing up the set-screw 118.

It willbe seen that by means of the spring 115 the ring 113 is yieldingly supported, and by means of the knob 117 and screw 118 the ring may be raised or lowered, as desired.

I will now describe the mechanism shown in Figs, 17, 1'8, and 19 and by broken lines in Fig. 2. This mechanism is used for striking the folded envelop as it is raised from the folding-box by the lifting-blades and causing it to slide down into the drier. Said mechanism may or may not be used in connection with the other mechanisms above described.

Referring to Figs. 2, 17, 18, and 19, a cam 119 is fast on the shaft 6, which extends through a slot in the lower end of the camlever 120. A roll 121 .on said lever rides on the periphery of said cam 119 and is held in engagement therewith by a spring 122, attached to the lower end of the lever 120. The upper end of the lever 120 is connected by a screw 123 to a crank-arm 123, fast on a shaft 124, journaled in bearings 125 under the top 2. To the screw 123 is also pivotally connected the lowerend of the connector-rod 126. The upper end of said rod 126 is connected by a screw 127 to a crank'arm 128, fast on a rockshaft 129, journaled in bearings 130 on the under side of the top plate 13. On the opposite end of the shaft 129 is fast a beveled gear 131, which meshes with a beveled gear 132, arranged at right angles and fast on the end of a short rock-shaft 133, journaled in bearings 13 1 at the end of the hanger 135, secured to the under side of the top plate 13. (See Fig. 19.) On the shaft 133 is fast a hub 136, having extending out therefrom a hook arm or finger 137. It will be understood that there are two arms or fingers 137, one at each end of the opening in the creaser-plate 13, through which the blank to be folded passes. At the proper time, when the folded envelop is being raised from the folding-box by the lifting-blades, the fingers 137 are moved in an inclined plane by the rocking of the shafts 133 through beveled gears 131 and 132 and connections to the cam 119 to swing in and strike the back edge of the envelops supported on the lifting-blades and force said envelops along the lifting-blades into the drier by the positive engagement of the fingers 137 with the envelops.

It will be understood that the details of construction of the several parts of my improvements may be varied, if desired.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-- 1. In an envelop-machine, the combination with the end-folder, of means for operating the same, consisting of a cam, a cam-lever, a bifurcated holder pivotally attached to said lever to have a rocking or tilting motion thereon, a sleeve pivotally supported in said holder to have a rocking or tilting motion therein, a rod loosely supported at its lower end in said sleeve, to have a motion therewith and a longitudinal motion independent thereof, a coiled spring encircling said rod intermediate said sleeve and an annular flange on said rod, a link or connector forked or bifurcated at its lower end, to receive the upper end of said rod, which is pivotally attached thereto, and said link, pivotally connected at its upper end to the end-folder, substantially as shown and described.

2. In an envelop-machine, the combination with the end-folder, and its operating'cam, of intermediate connections, consisting of a link or connector pivot-ally attached at its upper end to the end-folder, and bifurcated or forked at its lower end to receive the upper end of a vertically-moving rod which is pivotally attached thereto, and said rod, having its lower end loosely supported in a rocking sleeve, and a spring encircling said rod, to communicate a yielding pressure to the end flap of the folder, a holder for supporting said rocking sleeve, said holder pivotally attached to the lever of the operating-cam to have a rocking motion, and said cam substantially as shown and described.

In an envelop-machine, the combination with the lifting-blades which raise the envelop from the folding-box, of a sleeve on which the hubs of the lifting-blades are secured, and a rocking shaft having an eccentric portion on which said sleeve is loosely mounted, of mechanism for communicating to said shaft a rocking motion, and also communicating to said sleeve a rocking motion independent of said shaft, to move the lifting-blades at their attached ends, and also at their free ends,

substantially as shown and described.

4. In an envelop-machine, the combination with the lifting-blades, which raise the envelops from the folding-box, of means for moving said blades at their free ends, and also at their attached ends, consisting of a sleeve on which the hubs of the blades are secured, a rocking shaft having an eccentric portion on which said sleeve is loosely mounted, and connections from said sleeve, and from said shaft, to a cam, from which a rocking motion is communicated to said sleeve, to move the lifting-blades at their free ends, and to said shaft to move the lifting blades at their attached ends, substantially as shown and described.

5. In an envelop-machine, the combination with a stationary guide-pin at the under front edge of the opening in the creaser-plate, of a movable guide-pin fast on a rock-shaft, and means for rocking said shaft to automatically move the guide-pin into a vertical position, to hold the envelop-blank in position, and to automatically move said guidepin into an inclined position to allow of the discharge of the envelop into the drier, substantially as shown and described.

(3. In an envelop-machine, the combination with the carriage which carries the envelopblanks from the gummer to the opening in l the creaser-plate over the folding-box, of means for operating said carriage to cause it to have a dwell at each end of its movement, said means consisting of a rocking arm or arms fast on a rock-shaft, an eccentric fast on a second shaft, an eccentric-strap loosely mounted on said eccentric, and a pin segment or lever and slot segment or lever connection between said eccentric-strap and said rockshaft, to communicate an intermittent motion to said rocking arm or arms, substantially as shown and described.

7. In an envelop-machine, the combination with the envelop-carriage, an arm or arms communicating motion thereto, a rocking shaft carrying said arm or arms, an eccentric fast on a shaft, and an eccen trio-strap on said eccentric, of a connection intermediate said eccentric-strap and rocking shaft, consisting of two members, one mounted on a stud or shaft and pivotally connected with the cocentric-strap, and provided with a flange or projection thereon, and a pin or roll adapted to enter a slot in the other member, and said other member fast at one end on said rockshaft, and provided at its other end witha slot, and adapted to strike against the flange or projection on the first-mentioned member, substantially as shown and described.

8. In an envelop-machine, the combination with the envelop-carriage, its operating arm or arms, a rock-shaft carrying said arm or arms, an eccentric fast on a shaft, an eccentric-strap loose on said eccentric, of an intermediate joint or connection between said rock-shaft and eccen tric-strap, comprising an oscillating pin segment or lever pivotally connected with and operated by the eccentricstrap, and'having a stop flange or projection thereon, and a slot segment or lever fast on said rock-shaft, and engaged and operated to communicate an intermittent oscillating motion to said shaft, by said pin-wheel, substantially as shown and described.

9. In an envelop-machine, the combination with the envelop-carriage slide-bars, of airguards secured to and moving with said bars in front of the envelop-blank, as it is carried from the gummers, substantially as shown and described.

10. Inan envelop-machine, the combination with the envelop-carriage slide-bars, of airguards to extend in front of the envelop-blank as it is carried from the gummers, said guards secured to said slides and comprising metal plates having an upright flange or projection at their back edges, and a projection or stop on their outer side edges, substantially as shown and described.

11. In an envelop-machine, the combination with nipper mechanism for nipping and removing the envelop from the drier into the till, said mechanism carried on a reciprocat ing slide, and consisting of a rocker-shaft carrying the nipper-finger, and also an arm for operating said finger, and a clutch mem her on one end of said shaft, and a second clutch member having a spring-actuated lonthe slide carrying the nipper mechanism, consisting of a pulley having a cam lip or flange on its periphery, and intermediate connections to said slide, substantially as shown and described.

12. In an envelop-machine, the combination with the ring surrounding the folding-box,and having downwardly-extending ears, of screwthreaded pins pivotally attached at their upper ends to said ears, a spring encircling said pins at their upper ends,intermediate a flange on said pins and a plate secured on the under side of the table of the machine, to form a cushion or yielding support for the ring, and a knob screwed on said pins to adjust the vertical position thereof, and raise or lower the ring, substantially as shown and described.

13. In the folding-box of an envelop-ma chine,the combination with the ring surrounding the folding-box, and having downwardlyextending ears thereon, to which are pivotally attached screw-threaded pins having spiral springs thereon, to furnish a cushion or yield in g support for the ring, of said screw-threaded pins and means for adjusting the same to raise or lower the ring, substantially as shown and described.

14. In an envelop-machine, the combination with the lifting-blades which raise the envel ops from the folding-box, and which have a movement at their free ends, and also at their attached ends to carry the blades above the side-folder,of fingers or arms adapted to strike the back or inner edge of the envelop supported on said lifting-blades, and push it into the drier, said fingers having a swinging motion, and means for operating said fingers or arms, substantially as shown and described.

EZRA P. WATERHOUSE.

Witnesses:

J. O. DEWEY, M. J. GALVIN. 

